Peterhead snap up towering former Hearts striker Russell McLean after East Kilbride stint

McLean, 19, starred for East Kilbride last season after joining them from the Jambos in January, leading the line as they claimed the Lowland League title at a canter.

The teenage front-man was previously on the books of Alloa before catching the eye of the Tynecastle outfit at the age of 16.

McLean has committed to the Blue Toon, however Peterhead must wait until his amateur contract with East Kilbride officially expires next week before they can formally register the 6ft 5ins striker.

Balmoor boss Jim McInally said: “Russell is a big lad and will offer us something different with his aerial power.

“He’s actually quite a clever footballer with decent feet and skill and I think he feels he has already been tarred with that brash of just being a target man. Unfortunately, when you are his size, that’s going to happen.”

“Near the end of last season, when I went to watch him, I felt as though we could use his height to take the pressure off Rory [McAllister] because I know other managers and teams target him.”

McLean will become Peterhead’s third summer signing following the arrivals of Mason Robertson and Willie Gibson.